The Lead Counsel 1 is an intermediate level position responsible for providing Citi businesses and functions with legal counsel and thought leadership on all matters related to Technology and Operations, with a focus on the vendor management and commercial transaction space. The overall objective of this role is to provide commercial and regulatory legal support, advice, and guidance across a broad range of practice areas such as Procurement, Outsourcing, Banking Secrecy, Operational Resilience, Technology Risk Management, Data Confidentiality and Privacy, and Cybersecurity for all businesses in the bank (collectively the "Focus Areas").

This role requires a pragmatic, proactive lawyer willing to develop a thorough understanding of Citi's technology and its operations. The ideal candidate should have experience in the vendor procurement and commercial transactions space, preferably in-house at a global or regional bank/financial institution or global Information Technology company. A solid conceptual and practical grounding in the laws and regulations of the geographies Citi operates in throughout Asia is essential. You will need to provide input into key business decisions and exercise sound legal judgment to develop proactive, risk-appropriate, and commercially business-oriented solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for providing Citi businesses and functions with legal counsel; supporting strategic initiatives and product/service launches, providing subject matter expertise and interpretations of relevant laws, rules, regulations, and industry practices, and advising business management/leadership on all manners of legal matters related to the Focus Areas.
• Partner with legal peers to objectively evaluate business decisions related to / impacted by the Focus Areas, by applying institutional knowledge against industry standard, widely accepted business practices, laws, rules, and regulatory guidelines, escalating as appropriate.
• Collaborate across internal lines of business, control/support functions and/or external counsel to achieve coordinated and efficient outcomes on matters related to the Focus Areas; coordinate closely with legal peers aligned to associated businesses.
• Participate in planning and development initiatives; contributes to objectives by providing thought leadership using knowledge of industry, laws, and regulations.
• Proactively identifies, evaluates, and contributes to the appropriate management of legal, regulatory, and reputational risk by collaborating with ICRM & Risk, following relevant legal developments, participating in internal projects, escalating where appropriate.
• Manages day-to-day legal activities as a subject matter expert in area of responsibility and provide advisory services to business partners. This includes providing commercial legal support, in particular reviewing and advising on a wide range of general commercial contracts (e.g., master service agreements, hosting services agreements, licensing agreements, SOWs, Work Orders, NDAs etc.).
• Manage and monitor complex legal issues and transactions, escalating when necessary.
• Appropriately assess risk when business decisions are made, demonstrating particular consideration for the firm's reputation and safeguarding Citigroup, its clients and assets, by driving compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, adhering to Policy, applying sound ethical judgment regarding personal behavior, conduct and business practices, and escalating, managing and reporting control issues with transparency, as well as effectively supervise the activity of others and create accountability with those who fail to maintain these standards.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• 5-8 years of relevant industry experience, preferably in practice or in-house at a global or regional bank / financial institution or Information Technology company.
• Significant experience with general commercial / contractual / transactional work including with complex global / cross border procurement deals is essential. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues and develop legal solutions.
• A driven and skilled commercial lawyer and negotiator who can work independently, as well as with a wide range of teams to achieve pragmatic, commercial solutions. A self-starter who takes the initiative to manage complex legal matters and mitigate risks.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of laws, regulations and practices related to the Focus Areas, while staying abreast of regulatory and legal environments, internal policies and industry trends that impact Citi's businesses.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills and ability to build and maintain trusted relationships.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, organizational and relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to apply sound judgement while managing assignments in a demanding, fast-paced environment. Strong time and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively given work volumes.
• Team player with positive attitude.
• Bar license in good standing to practice law.
• LL.B. (Bachelor of Law), Juris Doctorate or equivalent law degree

Working at Citi is far more than just a job. A career with us means joining a family of more than 230,000 dedicated people from around the globe. At Citi, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your career, give back to your community and make a real impact.

Take the next step in your career, apply for this role at Citi today

https://jobs.citi.com/dei

Job Family Group:

Legal

Job Family:

• Legal
• Enterprise

Time Type:

Full time

Most Relevant Skills

Please see the requirements listed above.

Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi.

View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.